Filler package



L. BENQIT FILLER PACKAGE Filed Aug. 10, 1935 June 1, 1937.

6 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 1, 1-937. L. BENOIT FILLER PACKAGE Filed Aug. 10, 1935 s Sheets-Sheet 2 jaw/Y.

June 1, 1937. L. BENOIT FILLER PACKAGE Filed Aug. 10, 1935 '6 Sheets-Sheet a June 1, 1937. L. BENOIT 4 2,082,564

FILLER PACKAGE Filed AugQ 10, 1935 e Sheets-Sheet 5 IIIIFIIIIII q llllII illlll lllll l 0 00 c @llllllilllflli llllil 1 I 507216625X I Jufie 1, 1937. L. BENOIT FILLER PACKAGE Filed Aug. 10, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented June I, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFica FILLER PACKAGE Leon Benoit, New York, N. Y.

' Application August 10, 1935, Serial No. 35,660

8 Claims.

My present invention has to do with certain improvements in a filler package for the accommodation of small articles, usually of a fragile nature, such as eggs and the like. It is advantageous in numerous respects.

tering into the present invention are few, simple and inexpensive. These same parts are also useable for bulk shipments prior to final packaging, and but a single'filling operation is rem quired, thereby reducing cost and handling operations to a minimum. The protection afforded by-the present filler package is also very substantial. As part of each package, I provide an enclosure or wrapper having means 15 which automatically locks with a holderthat is assembled therewith. Accordingly, from the many standpoints of low cost, ease in handling, and enhanced protection, the present filler package, now to be described, has

advantages.

Certain exemplifications of my invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings in the manner following:

Figure l is a perspective view of an egg case partly broken away to exhibit within the case several tiers of fillers and fiats with eggs accommodated therebetween;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the holder having one end entered within a tubular carton de- 30 signed for its reception;

Fig. 3 which is a View similar to Fig. 1 shows the egg case accommodating a number of filler packages;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of a stack of tubular cartons collapsed to occupy a minimum of space for storage, shipment, etc.-;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a number of fillers stacked in nesting relation;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a filler package 0 showing the interlock between the holder and its enclosure, also the finger-holds by which the package in its entirety may be conveniently handled;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of one of the fillers 45 before severance into holders of package size;

Fig. 8 is a transverse section through the filler package taken on line 88 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a detail in section, on enlarged scale, taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 7, showing the points 50 of contact between the accommodated eggs and the sustaining walls of the holder;

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal section through the filler package taken on line 10 of Fig. 6, a por- 5 tlon of one end being broken away to exhibit the The parts en-- important finger-hold by which the package may be easily handled;

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section on line ll of Fig. 10, showing the interlock between the holder and its enclosing carton;

Fig. 12 which is an enlarged detail in section shows a modification in the interlock between the holder and its enclosing carton;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view in side elevation showing the incision in the wall of the enclosing 1o carton adjacent its bottom wherewith a locking tooth of the holder may engage;

Fig. 14 is a viewin section on line it of Fig.

16 showing the tongues of a filling shoe inserted within one end of a tubular carton to facilitate 15 sliding movement of the holder therewithin;

Fig. 15 is a similar view showing the holder advanced part way into the carton;

Fig. 16 is a vertical section through the filling shoe and proximate end of the carton, taken on line i6-|6 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a filler package having an enclosure in the form of a wrap- Fig. 18 is a plan view of the wrapper extended to lie flat;

Fig. 19 which is a view similar to Fig. 7 shows a filler with preformed lines of severance to provide holders, one of 2 x 6 size and two of 3 x 4 size;

Fig. 20 is a transverse section through a filler package having an enclosure of modified construction;

Fig. 21 is a vertical section taken on line 2i of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is an enlarged detail in section taken on line 22 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 which is a view similar to Fig. 21 shows a modification in the slot of the inner wall of the enclosure; and

Fig. 24 is an enlarged detail in section taken on line 24 of Fig. 23.

In the ensuing description the 'word case will be used to designate a large box, such as is commonly employed for the reception of thirty dozen eggs or so which are individually contained in fillers arranged in tiers with flats therebetween. The term filler, as used herein, refers to a structure having multiple cells, each for the accommodation of a single article. Such fillers are of large size, with capacity for, say, three dozen articles, and are commonly used for the packing of eggs in a case. Similarstructures, tray-like in form, but of reduced capacity (usually one dozen) will be referred to herein as holders, the cells thereof being arranged either 2 x 6 or 3 x 4. The term enclosure" will be used to indicate a tube, wrapper or carton within which the holder is assembled for delivery to the consumer. The term filler package will describe the combined holder and enclosure. By noting the distinctions between these several terms, as used throughout the present specification and claims, a clear understanding of my invention will be gained. Also in the succeeding description, I shall use the term eggs in typifying any small fragile articles suitable for reception in the filler package of thisinvention.

The case of Figs. 1 and 3 is shown as accommodating a series of flats A with intervening fillers F arranged. in tiers, all as is usual practice. These fillers, for convenience in construction and handling, may be of one-piece construction, molded by preference from a pulp composition. The flats may conveniently be formed of a cushioned board, such as corrugated P per board. Each fiat and filler is desirably of a size which will extend across one half of the case which is separated from the adjacent half by a vertical partition.

Referring particularly to Figs. '7 and 8, each filler is shown as made up of a number of conical pillars 30 arranged in rows which cross each other. Each side edge of such a filler terminates in a plane which desirably extends through the axes of the several pillars which are comprised in a single row. Between these pillars are cells or pockets 3| separated from each other both by the pillars and by walls 32 in the form of webs which extend downwardly to join with a floor 33 at the base of the filler. The height of the pillars is desirably such that their tops which are fiat will extend slightly above the upper ends of the eggs which are accommodated within the cells. The webs which interconnect the pillars are also made up of spaced walls which converge toward the top, and the cells are in the form. of conical cups with the small ends down. Such a construction lends itself to nesting, as suggested in Fig. 5, so that only a minimum of space is required for storage or shipment.

When fitted into a case, and arranged in tiers with intervening flats, the tops of the pillars are adapted to extend through openings 35 which are provided in certain pads B each of which is so dimensioned as to overlie adozen or so of cells. These pads may conveniently be formed of corrugated paper board. Their presence at the top of the filler, in flush relation therewith, serves to protect the upper ends of the eggs contained within the filler cells, from shocks delivered from above.

The fillers are, by preference, preformed with lines of severability by which to facilitate their being separated into holders of reduced capacity suitable for assembly with an enclosure, such. as a tube, carton, wrapper, or the like, toform therewith a filler package. For this purpose, I provide certain severance lines a. and 1) produced by scoring, perforating, slitting, or other weakening of the material, the eifect of which is to facilitate divisibility of a filler into two or more holders adapted to accommodate perhaps one dozen eggs each. Desirably two such lines of severance are provided on each filler, as indicated in Fig. '7, the resulting holders being then of 2 x 6 size. A different arrangement of severance lines 0 and d is suggested in Fig. 19, so as to produce one 2 x 6 holder and two 3 x 4 holders.

Each line of severance is characterized by a pair of spaced oppositely facing offsets 83, angular. by preference, to provide transverse end shoulders. Similar offsets 46 are provided along the filler edges which lie parallel with and proximate to the lines of severance referred to. These offsets in each case are desirably formed as lateral extensions of the filler fioor so as to present their points slightly beyond the plane defined by the sides of the filler.

So much for the construction of the filler itself which may readily be severed into two; or more holders having cells in 2 x 6 or 3 x 4 arrangement. Each such holder is complete in itself in that it comprises a plurality of cells each accommodating a singlearticle. Inasmuch as the lines of severance extend medially through the angular offsets G3, the resulting formations are reversely disposed ratchet teeth upon opposite edges of the holder. Each holder is, furthermore, characterized by one or more rows of conical pillars extending between adjacent rows of cells, the upper ends of these pillars being receivable within the pad openings so as to sustain the pads at an elevation which about coincides with the pillar. tops. This mounting of each pad upon a plurality of pillars serves, furthermore, to center the pad correctly over two or more rows of cells where it remains locked against displacement.

In practice, at a collecting point eggs may be graded and then packed into cases which are equipped with fillers of the kind herein described. Pads may optionally be positioned upon a filler, then a flat, then another filler, then more pads, etc. Inasmuch as the vertical height of the fillers is substantially the same as now employed for multi-piece egg fillers, and inasmuch as the pads, if used at that time, are so disposed as not to project above the top plane of the fillers, the case will have capacity for the usual number of eggs withal affording greater protection thereto.

At a distributing point the cases are opened and the eggs removed. In doing this each filler is lifted out, and, without disturbing the eggs, the filler is severed along the performed lines of separation into two or more holders. In this operation, the pads, if previously inserted, remain in place by reason of their interlock with the pillar tops; if not previously used, the pads are then arranged in place, one with each holder. Each pad and holder combination is then ready forassembly with an enclosure of appropriate kind. The holder is a self-contained unit, in that it provides for the eggs a cellular load-sustaining tray, complete in itself, and capable of being handled as a unit. In the process of transformation from a filler to a holder the eggs are not touched, thereby dis pensing with a handling or refilling operation.

which is now commonly practiced.

An enclosure E which is suitable for the present filler is illustrated in Fig. 6. As shown, it comprises an open-ended rectangular tube having a top 50, side .walls and a bottom 52. A notch 53 may be provided in each of the opposite ends of the top. The two side walls are each provided, near the bottom edges, with a U-shaped incision 55 defining a flap 56 which may yield outwardly. The spacing of these incisions on each wall corresponds with that of the teeth on the holder; l

The holdergtogether with its associated pad, is adapte to be received within such an ention its shoe within one end thereof. A holder received within the shoe may then be speedily advanced therethrough and into the tubular carton. In this movement, the shoe tongues yield as required to permit the package to freely slide. The pad which is interlocked with the pillar tops also moves into position within the holder so as to be assembled non-removably with the filler package.

In this assembly operation the forward pair of ratchet teeth advance freely past the first incisions in the enclosure. The slant of the teeth may be such as to avoid all interference at this point, although a reverse arrangement,

as shown in Fig. 12, will be fully operative.

When the second pair of teeth reach a position opposite the same incisions (or the second incisions in the construction of Fig. 12), their shoulders will engage therewith to prevent further forward movement of the holder within the enclosure. Simultaneously, the other pair of teeth engage with the remaining incisions in the enclosure, so that reverse movement of the holder is prevented. The action of these two sets of interlocks is automatic. The fiaps 56 need not be removed, but may be left in place as indicated in Fig. 6, where they are free to yield outwardly in response to engagement from the holder teeth.

The filler package thus provided affords complete protection for the eggs contained within its several cells. By reason of the suspended tion from shocks proceeding from below.

Similar protection is afforded at the sides by the spaced double-walls lying to the outside of the eggs. At the top, where protection has usually been deficient, the interlocked pad which extends over each cell furnishes ample reinforcement. Accordingly, such a filler package, complete with contents, is well adapted for handling either as a single unit or with other like units when packed within a case. As suggested in Fig. 3, a large number of such filler packages may be repacked in the case for further shipment or storage, if desired, the aggregate dimensions of the filler packages so packed being substantially the same as for the fillers and flats shown in Fig. 1.

Tubular cartons, such as have been described,

may readily be collapsed into flat condition, as suggested in Fig. 4, so as to occupy a minimum of space. In such condition they may be shipped to a point where the fillers are removed 0 from the cases and then severed into holders preliminary to assembly with appropriate enclosures. It is not necessary, however, that the enclosing cartons be of the tubular form just described. They may be of the shoebox" variety, if desired. Also, as suggested in Fig. 17, a suitable enclosure may be in the form of a wrapper W which is desirably preformed with certain bend lines to define a front wall 10, a bottom wall ll, a rear wall 12, and a cover 13 having a flap 14. These terms of location are employed for convenience only, and are to be interpreted in a relative sense. The front and rear walls may have U-shaped incisions 15 each defininga slot, in whole or in part, wherewith a holder tooth may interlock. Such an enclosure, when folded around the holder and its associated pad, may be secured against unwrapping as by a tongue 16 in the flap adapted to releasably lock with a slot 11 in.the front wall. As just explained, the holder so enclosed is held against endwise sliding movement by engagement of its teeth (which obviously need not be of ratchet form) with the slots of the wrapper. By withdrawing the tongue from its coacting slot, the wrapper may be unlocked to expose the holder therewithin.

To gain access to the contents of a holder which is locked within a tubular carton, one section .r of its top, defined by perforated lines on three sides, may be severed sufficiently for its removal. Other sections 11 and a which are similarly formed may be removed in turn. By so proceeding the contents of the cells beneath these sections are made accessible. In the handling of the filler packages, particularly in placing them within a case or removing them therefrom, the notches 53 in the top walls of the enclosures will be found very helpful. A finger may be inserted into one of the notches (see Fig. to engage with the end wall of the enclosed holder whose proximate pillar top is desirably formed with a registering notch to render such engagement possible.

It is ,possible to variously modify the illustrated construction while still retaining the advantages and utilizing the principles of my invention. For example, certain suggestive modificationsare indicated in Figures 20 to 24 of the drawings. The main differences here are that the incisions with which the ratchet teeth engage are in the form of open slots invisible from the exterior of the package, and are provided on but one side, instead of both sides, of the enclosure. V

According to Figure 20 I utilize an enclosure in the form of a tubular carton C having a front wall 80, a bottom 8|, a rear wall 82, a top wall 83, and a flap 84 forming an inner front wall. The terms top, bottom, front, etc., are here used 'in a relative-sense. The effect of this construction is to provide a tubular carton having one wall, 1. e., the front wall, of double thickness. Slots 85 are provided ad jacent the bottom edges of the inner wall 84 for receiving the oppositely disposed teeth 86 which extend laterally from the holder. Such a construction is advantageous principally in that the exterior of the tubular carton is unbroken so.as to conceal and protect the lock. The two adjacent front walls may be secured together in any appropriate way, as by an adhesive. Figs. 23 and 24 wherein each slot 81 formed adjacent the bottom edge of the innerwall extends clear to the proximate end thereof. In such a construction the teeth will slide freely to final position without exerting outward pressure against the adjacent front wall.

The filler package of my invention, as will now be apparent, is very simple in construction and operation. The filler is designed for double duty, once in the case before severance and again after severance when its separated parts serve as holders. Because of its tray-like form, and its ability to sustain the load for which A further modification is suggest-ed in I have provided is one which requires no bending or yielding on the part of the element which projects from the holder. If necessary, the entire holder may be sprung in slightly to assist in moving the projecting element to its locking position.

The holder itself differs from previous constructicns, in that the walls which interconnect the pillars, as well as the outside rows of pillars, join with the floor, the edges of which lie in planes about coincident with the sides and ends of the holder. This is advantageous because of the greater area of the base for the holder, whereby tipping is rendered dimcult, and because the side and end walls continue downwardly to join with the base at its edges, thereby adding to the protection which is provided for the eggs contained within the holder cells. Shocks proceeding from the sides or from the top-or bottom are effectively resisted by this continuity in the wall structure of the pillars, the opposite ends of which terminate adjacent the top and bottom of a surrounding enclosure. In addition, the pillars are extended upwardly for a distance slightly beyond the corresponding ends of the eggs or other articles to be accommodated within the cells, thereby supporting away from the eggs the top wall of the enclosure which rests upon the ends of the pillars. The cushion pads do not occupy any space required for the eggs, but remain positioned thereabove, this being a consequence of the extra height of the pillars.

The material of which the enclosure is made may be a light paper board. The enclosure serves very little purpose as a retaining element since the holder, together with its cushion pad, acts effectively to keep the eggs in place so long as the holder is not inverted. Accordingly, a light weight board is all that is required for the enclosure. The interlock between the holder and enclosure is one which requires no bending of a projecting element. The walls of the enclosure may give, as required, to permit the locking elements or teeth of the holder to reach their final position. In so doing, the locking elements are not bent or displaced in any way. This is of advantage because the resulting lock is more certain and does not require the holder is .receivable, and longitudinally spaced relatively rigid means integral with the holder and projecting from a cell forming portion thereof for interlocking engagement with an edge of the enclosure sheet for preventing slidteeth extending from the holder, said enclosurehaving means for engagement by said teeth, and

said holder having opposite inclinations adapted to advance slidingly without interference into a final position of engagement with the enclosure means to interlock immovably therewith.

3. In combination, a cellular'holder having a tooth-like projecting element, an enclosure in which the holder is receivable, and said enclosure having an inner notched wall through the notch of which the tooth-like element may extend to lock the holder relative to the enclosure.

4. In combination, a holder having a substantially inflexible projecting element, and an openended tubular carton of relatively flexible sheet material in which the holder is receivable, there being a weakened portion in a wall of the carton for yieldably receiving the relatively rigid projecting element of the holder whereby to automatically lock the holder against sliding movement relative to the carton when said holder is slid to final position within the enclosure.

5. Packaging means for eggs and the like comprising a relatively inflexible holder, a'wrapper of sheet material in which the holder is received, and tooth-like projections on the holder adapted to extend through the material of the wrapper for automatically securing the one immovably to the other.

6. In combination, a moulded cellular holder having a pair of longitudinally spaced tooth-like projections, said projections forming extensions of walls of spaced cells of said holder, and an enclosure in which the holder is receivable, said projections cooperating with longitudinally spaced portions of said enclosure to secure said holder and enclosure against relative movement.

7. In combination, a cellular holder moulded to form from pulp composition and having a relatively inflexible tooth-like portion projecting from a cell forming wall of said holder, and an enclosure for said holder having a portion -to the cells, and an enclosure in which the holder so equipped is contained.

LEON BENOIT.

adapted to receive and retain the tooth-like por- 

